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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday - the official beginning of Lent - a day that startles some - excites others. Although not an official Holy Day - one day that draws very large numbers of people to church services. Services - perhaps a simple scripture service with the imposition of ashes on the forehead - complete Holy Mass including imposition of ashes. Ash Wednesday is counter cultural - a day set aside - yet not mandatory - a day that calls to the inner spirit of individuals - a day that draws people - to reflect - to contemplate - to wonder - the frailty of their life - the value of their self. Fasting and abstaining - eating less - avoiding meat - self imposed - prescribed for the multitude - exempted for the very young and old.

God calls everyone constantly to a deeper relationship with Him - not always acknowledged - often ignored. In Lent - most give in - stop their daily lives - to admit - finally - that lives lived poorly - need help. In these 40 days of Lent - God waits - for you.Deacon Dale